After going to a few shows at the Asagaya Jazz Street Festival two weeks ago, I decided to head back to the neighborhood for another wander, looking for more music joints. Last Friday I hit the jackpot as found an area chock full o' bars and cafes, on the opposite side of the station to where I usually go in Asagaya. The side streets on the West Side (using either the North or South exit at JR Asagaya) are a treasure for music geeks.

First spot I hit was "Jazz & Booze Stardust", an basement jazz bar that's been in Asagaya for 41 years (in it's current spot for 16). Owner Masuda-san was super chatty and told me all about her time running the bar since her student days. I had to take a pic of the album playing when I went in; I think all guitarists should now be called "plectrists"! When three Japanese salarymen came in and ordered whiskey and requested Bill Evans (of course), I split for "Tom", a larger than usual bar that's a good spot to eat as well. Had a beer and listened to some Sonny Clark there before I stepped next door to Tom's sister bar "Dongara", a soul joint under the Smile Hotel. "Dongara" was superb,the young bartender played the Commodores, Chaka Khan, AWB and Bobby Womack in succession. It was quiet at 9:30 on a rainy Friday night but he told me they are open till 5am and usually after 11 it gets packed. Proper profiles of these joints coming later this week.

Still need to head back to Asagaya to check out cafe "Misty", jazz bar "Klavier" and club "Mix". Beyond jazz joints I also saw the Chicago Blues House the "Cool Dreads" reggae bar and a rock bar with a big Deep Purple poster on the front (got to wear my denim jacket when going there..) Asagaya is easily a neighborhood you can spend several nights bar hopping in, with music for everyone.